Student Testimonials
Sponsored by Pacific Global Investment Management Company, in memory of long-time
community philanthropists and business leaders Manabi Hirasaki and Sig Kagawa.
2014 High School & College Student Essay Contest
– By the Numbers –
 Number of Contestants:
223
 Number of High Schools Represented:
53
 Number of Colleges / Universities Represented:
 Number of States Represented:
 Amount of Prize Money Awarded:
22
13
$6,000
 Years that Go For Broke Has Run the Contest:
2
Eighth Prize
Julia Schemmer
Norco Senior High School – Norco, CA
Senior
I attend Norco High School where I participate in six AP classes, twenty five
extracurriculars, and several leadership positions. I am the founder of the
organization "The Face of Cancer,” a 2014 Disney Dreamer, and a journalist for
Huffington Post and CNN. I entered the contest as a challenge for myself to
become more educated about the legacy of the Nisei. After reading the story of
Raymond Jiro Takisaki, I was empowered by the bravery and selflessness of Nisei
soldiers. One day, I hope to become an international human rights lawyer,
foreign correspondent and diplomat with the United Nations.
How an Essay Contest Changed My Life
It was a murky summer night when I was completing my weekend tradition of perusing
various scholarship websites in hopes of finding opportunities that would utilize my passion
for writing to use. After listening to Pandora for two hours, pressing my head against my
desk wondering how I’ll pay for college, and frantically researching, I came across the 2014
Go for Broke Essay Contest.
At first, I had a limited understanding of what the Nisei soldiers were. I remembered
reading about them during my sophomore unit of Farewell to Manzanar, but besides that, I
was clueless. As I researched more about their incredible legacy, I came across a
heartwarming story of Raymond Jiro Takisaki, written in a Seattle newspaper. Not only did
he face discrimination for his race, but he decided to stop the oppressive cycle by serving
America and participating in programs that assist World War II veterans. When I received
the news that my essay had won eighth place, I was shocked. Not only was it an exciting
opportunity, but it was a chance for the legacy of someone I admire to go further than my
limited knowledge. Now, people of all ages and backgrounds had the opportunity to
experience the same revelation as I had, and put a face on the Nisei soldiers.
This essay contest changed my life. I wasn’t expecting to become immediately
infatuated with Nisei culture, nor was I expecting to have my entire world upside down by
the extreme kindness and impact that one man made throughout his lifetime. This essay
contest empowered me to learn more about this wonderfully courageous group
of individuals determined to serve their country to the fullest extent of
excellence. I don’t believe in coincidences. Whatever reason I came across this essay
contest, I believe it was for a divine purpose – to shake and challenge my current
understanding, to open my eyes to the perspectives of others, and to spend time walking in
other people’s dust-painted shoes.
Although the official gala was in September, there is no way I am stopping my
commitment to Go for Broke. Last month, I began transcribing live interviews of the Nisei
soldiers and I am constantly finding ways to use my love of writing to bring awareness to
this special group of people. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
The moral of the story? Be open to new opportunities; if you have your eyes open wide
enough, you may find your whole life being changed.
First Prize – High School
Christopher James Lindsay
Iolani School – Honolulu, HI
Freshman
I am a student at 'Iolani School in Honolulu, who loves history, science, space
exploration, eating, performing on various instruments, karate, and bowling. As
president of the 'Iolani School Class of 2017 for the past two years, I live in the hope
we will learn from those who came before us and use that knowledge to improve the
future for generations to come. I entered the contest because of my deep respect and
admiration for the members of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental "Go For Broke"
Combat Team who share a common bond of humility; they are "ordinary" men who
survived extraordinary odds against them. My generation won't forget these silent
heroes and will remember the sacrifices and contributions they made so that all
Americans may live as equals in peace and freedom today.
A Weekend of Inspiration, A Lifetime of Commitment:
Celebrating the Lives of Japanese American WWII Veterans
I have often wondered if anyone from my generation cares about history, specifically
the exploits and heroism of the Japanese American men of the 100th Battalion/442nd
Regimental Combat Team/Military Intelligence Service who served in WWII. Seventy
years have passed since these veterans fought in battles such as the Rescue of the Lost
Battalion, the Battle for Hill 140 in Italy, and the annihilation of the Gothic Line.
The veterans who are still alive today are now in their late eighties or older. Many are
in wheelchairs, others use walkers, and some need full-time caregivers. When the last
veteran is gone, who will tell their stories and honor their memory?
This past weekend, two 'Iolani students, Dakota Chun ('15) and myself, Christopher
Lindsay ('17), were entrusted with the honor and responsibility to carry on the legacy of
the WWII veterans. We received the top two high school division prizes in the 2014 Go
For Broke National Education Center's (GFBNEC) High School and College Student
Essay Contest. Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Timothy Cottrell, Dr. Karen Neitzel, and
'Iolani School, we traveled to Los Angeles to meet the Japanese American veterans of
WWII. We were guests at the 25th Anniversary of the GFBNEC's Evening of Aloha Gala
Dinner, ate gourmet food cooked by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, received cash awards at the
GFBNEC Essay Awards Brunch, and visited the Go For Broke Monument in Little
Tokyo. Most importantly, we were entrusted with the sacred commission to
keep the stories of our heroes alive for future generations.
The weekend was full of incredible, almost unbelievable stories, opportunities to
meet true heroes, learn about how we can contribute to future efforts of the GFBNEC,
and given opportunities to actively contribute to real efforts to keep history
alive. The Aloha Spirit is alive and well in the Japanese American Veteran's Ohana.
These remarkable people truly appreciate what the veterans sacrificed in order for us to
live in freedom. Hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and comrades met at the Gala
Dinner to honor the veterans who fought so we may live in a world where we are judged
by our efforts, not by the color of our skin.
Talking with Toke Yoshihashi, we learned that he is now the only vet who steadfastly
spends every Friday as the "Go For Broke" Monument interpreter, sharing the stories of
the veterans with visitors. We all grew very quiet when Toke told us that there used to be
other veterans who shared this responsibility with him, but now he is the only one since
the rest have "passed on."
We were also very privileged to meet NASA Astronaut Daniel M. Tani, whose parents
were incarcerated in horse stalls at Tanforan Racetrack and later to the Topaz War
Relocation Authority camp in Utah during WWII. Mr. Tani spoke to us about how his
family faced prejudice with dignity. His widowed mother raised several children and
encouraged them to always believe they could achieve their dreams. Tani graduated
from MIT with two degrees, became a NASA astronaut, flew on the Space Shuttle
Endeavor, and lived for four months on the International Space Station, during which
time he was informed that his mother passed away in a tragic automobile accident.
We learned the great news that in 2016, the Go For Broke Education Center will open
new exhibits about the 100th/442nd/MIS at the historic Nishi Hongwanji Building
opposite the Japanese American Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. In 1942,
President Roosevelt authorized Executive Order 9066 calling for internment of
Japanese Americans living on the mainland. Families had 48 hours to pack a suitcase
and store their belongings in this former Buddhist temple. Essay winners, including
Dakota and I, were asked to help with plans and ideas for the new museum that will be
housed in this historic site!
Dakota and I were also fortunate to have our mothers accompany us, even though
they were both "watering pots" as they listened to the many inspirational stories and
watched us receive our prizes. To be fair, I guess we had to hide a few sniffles ourselves.
It was a very emotional weekend. At the closing ceremony of the 25th Anniversary
GNBNEC Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner, members of the Hawaii Military Color Guard
passed two flags to two of the 100th Battalion veterans, Mas Takahashi and Toke
Yoshihashi. The veterans, in turn, passed the flags to two of the essay winners, in a
symbolic gesture of handing the legacy of the veterans on to the younger
generation. As I accepted the flag representing the fallen soldiers of the 442nd, I
received the greatest honor of my entire life and vowed to keep the torch of
the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team/MIS lit for future
generations.
Many thanks to all of you who made this journey possible for us.
Ninth Prize
Kelsey Ichikawa
Irvington High School – Fremont, CA
Junior
From a very young age, I have loved exploring the intricacies of language through
writing and reading; someday I hope to write a novel (or several!). I also love
learning about practically everything in school, from biology to history to English to
chemistry. Another one of my passions is my high school Speech Club, which I've
been thoroughly engaged in since my freshman year. Although I feel very
Americanized as a fourth generation Japanese American, my parents always made a
point to cultivate in me a strong awareness of my cultural past, and the courage and
fortitude of the Nisei soldiers never ceases to amaze me.
Thank You for Reconnecting Me with My Heritage
Dear Go For Broke,
I want to say a huge thank you for the Evening of Aloha Gala weekend--it was truly a
life-changing experience and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to partake in it.
I never expected that so much would come out of a simple essay! Meeting
everyone at the gala, from the Go For Broke members to the Japanese American
veterans, opened my eyes. I felt reconnected with my heritage and cultural
background as a Japanese American, and learning more about the veterans'
stories made me realize the power that a few people have to impact the world--and how
important it is to keep those stories imprinted in our consciousness. I was so inspired
to see how dedicated everyone was to the Go For Broke mission, and I hope that I can do
my part as well to preserve the Nisei soldier legacy.
It was such a pleasure to meet the staff, the Nisei veterans, the Go For Broke members,
and the other essay contest winners! I really appreciate all the effort that went
into the Evening of Aloha Gala dinner and giving us students a very
memorable experience!
Again, thank you so much for everything!
Sincerely,
Kelsey Ichikawa
Seventh Prize
Mahya Bigdeli
Poolesville High School – Germantown, MD
Senior
Mahya Bigdeli is currently a senior in the Global Ecology Program at Poolesville
High School. She is interested in pursuing a medical education and becoming a
cardiologist with Doctors Without Borders. Mahya enjoys serving as club president
of UNICEF, hiking, and running track and field. She entered the contest to learn
more about the 442nd regiment, which she thought was a sort of SEAL team 6 prior
to applying for the scholarship! She appreciates the tenacity and courage of the Nisei
soldiers in the face of extreme adversity and prejudice, as well as their resiliency in
dealing with trials and tribulations of an imperfect world.
Thank You for this Eye-Opening Experience!
Dear Go For Broke National Education Center,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for sponsoring this high school essay
competition. Prior to beginning research for this essay, I had no idea what a
“Nisei” citizen was, and thought the 442nd regiment was a sort of specialized Seal
Team 6. How wrong I was. I have learned so much about Nisei soldiers and
other marginalized groups during World War II just by completing
background research for this essay.
It was an accident of faith that I found out about this essay contest, which has opened
my eyes up to the plight of the Japanese-Americans by exposing me to the
history of Nisei soldiers. Whether I win this contest or not, I am truly satisfied and
content knowing that I gained invaluable cognizance about the world around
me. I can speak for dozens of other students when I say that the GFB essay contest is an
eye-opening experience.
Best Regards,
Mahya Bigdeli